In a dramatic and nerve-wracking finale, Birgu secured victory in the Pass b’Erba Imqadef Category A to win the coveted Regatta Shield Open for the fifth time in their history.
The race lived up to its billing as one of the most balanced contests of the day, with Birgu, Bormla, and Isla (Senglea) locked together in a tight trio throughout. Stroke by stroke, the three crews pushed each other to the limit with the 24, 16, and 8 points up for grabs set to decide the fate of the Shield.
It was only in the closing stages that Birgu found an extra gear, increasing their pace and edging ahead of their closest rivals. The finish was thrilling, with the three boats arriving within seconds of one another, but it was Birgu who crossed the line first, followed closely by Bormla and Senglea.
The result confirmed Birgu as the overall champions, securing the Regatta Shield Open title for the fifth time in their history and capping off an unforgettable day on the Grand Harbour.
Celebrations erupted among Birgu’s supporters, who witnessed a thrilling finale and a historic achievement for their club.
Siġġiewi win decisive Pass b’Erba Imqadef Category B as Birżebbuġia clinch Shield
The decisive moment of the regatta came in Race Number 9, the Pass b’Erba Imqadef Category B, which not only delivered thrilling action but also determined the fate of the prestigious Shield.
Following a false start, the crews reset for what would prove to be the most critical race of the day, with a massive 24 points awarded to the winner, 16 for second place, and 8 for third — enough to swing the Shield standings.
Siġġiewi started strongly, setting the pace in the opening metres while Bormla and Birżebbuġia kept close in pursuit. However, Siġġiewi’s momentum proved decisive as they crossed the finish line first, stopping the clock at an impressive 5 minutes and 34 seconds to claim the 24 points.
Birżebbuġia, finishing second, collected 16 points, while Bormla settled for third and 8 points. Despite not winning the race, Birżebbuġia’s second-place finish was enough to secure the Shield on overall points, capping off a season of consistency and strong performances across the regatta.
Bormla triumph in Kajjiki Open Race 8 after tight finish
Bormla secured an impressive victory in Race Number 8 the Kajjiki Open, after leading from the early stages and maintaining their advantage to cross the finish line first with Vittoriosa chasing closely.
Maximilian Mamo and Romario Brignone delivered a stunning comeback for Cospicua in the penultimate Open category race, narrowly defeating Vittoriosa in the Kajjikki, while Senglea finished third. The vital win earned Cospicua 12 points, placing them just behind Senglea with one race to go. Meanwhile, Vittoriosa are now level on points with their neighbours Cospicua, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Race number 6 to be repeated following protest decision
The regatta jury has officially ruled that Race Number 6 – the Pass b’Żewġ Imqadef category – is to be repeated, following a formal protest lodged by Bormla and supported by Birgu against the original result, which had seen Senglea declared the winner.
The decision came after a lengthy deliberation lasting over an hour, during which the jury decided that the circumstances warranted a re-run of the race. The protest centred on an alleged infringement by the Marsa crew, which Bormla claimed had affected the fairness of the race before the critical 200-metre mark, as outlined in the regulations.
The outcome is set to have a significant impact on the final standings, with the points from Race 6 potentially playing a decisive role in the race for the Shield.
Marsamxett win 7th race in Frejgatina B with commanding performance
Marsamxett produced a dominant display to win the Frejgatina B category, completing the course in an impressive time of 7 minutes and 24 seconds. Their strong start and consistent pace throughout the race secured them the maximum 12 points on offer.
Bormla claimed second place with a solid effort, collecting 8 points, while Birżebbuġia rounded out the podium in third, earning 4 points. Marsamxett’s victory strengthens their position in the regatta standings as the season edges closer to its conclusion.
The result also underlined Marsamxett’s excellent form, having maintained control of the race from start to finish without serious threat from the chasing boats.
Bormla and Birgu protest race six over alleged lane infringement by Marsa
A formal protest has been lodged by Bormla, supported by Birgu, following a contentious incident during Race 6 of the regatta, the Pass b’Żewġ Imqadef category.
Bormla have alleged that the Marsa rowing boat failed to respect the required racing regulations by not maintaining their assigned starting lane for the first 200 metres of the course. According to Bormla, this breach resulted in Marsa moving too close to the Bormla boat, allegedly impeding their crew’s ability to maintain a smooth and fair race.
The protest highlights that, under regatta rules, all boats must strictly adhere to their starting lane for the opening 200 metres to ensure fairness and safety. Bormla argued that this infringement compromised their performance during a decisive stage of the race.
Birgu also supported the protest, stating that the incident may have affected the competitive balance of the race beyond Bormla’s case alone.
The Regatta Jury is currently reviewing the incident using race footage and official reports, with a ruling expected shortly. The decision could prove crucial, as the outcome of Race 6 holds significant weight in the ongoing battle for the prestigious Shield.
Senglea dominate Pass b’Żewġ imqadef Category to boost Shield hopes
Senglea took a commanding victory in the Pass b’Żewġ Mqadef category, dominating the race from start to finish. With a strong and consistent pace, Senglea crossed the finish line in an impressive 5 minutes and 48 seconds, comfortably ahead of their closest challengers.
Bormla followed in second place, adding another 12 points to their tally, while Vittoriosa secured third place and 6 points. Senglea’s win proved vital in their pursuit of the prestigious Regatta Shield, with the 20 points gained from this race further strengthening their position at the top of the standings.
Birżebbuġia dominate Midalji B with impressive performance
Birżebbuġia delivered a statement win in the Midalji B category, powering to victory with a considerable advantage over rivals Bormla and Senglea. Birżebbuġia showcased superior rhythm and endurance, completing the course in an impressive 5 minutes and 52 seconds, leaving little doubt about their dominance on the day.
Bormla followed in second place, collecting 12 points, while Senglea had to settle for third place, earning 6 points. This was a crucial result for Birżebbuġia as they secured the maximum 20 points, boosting their standings significantly.
Bormla Clinch Frejgatini Category A After Intense Battle
The Frejgatini Category A delivered a gripping contest as Bormla, Senglea, and Vittoriosa fought fiercely for supremacy throughout the race. The event saw an unusual twist with Siġġiewi fielding two female rowers, Brianna Farrugia and Irene Busuttil, while Marsa made tactical changes, introducing Emerson Farrugia and Damian Attard to their crew.
The race was briefly delayed due to a false start, but once it got underway, the intensity was clear. Bormla, Birgu, and Senglea were neck and neck for much of the race, thrilling the crowd with a tight and tactical contest.
In the final stretch, it was Bormla who found the decisive push, crossing the finish line first to claim their first 12 points of the regatta. Senglea followed closely to secure second place and 8 points, while Vittoriosa rounded out the podium with 4 points.
Birżebbuġia triumphs in thrilling Kajjikki Category B photo-finish
A thrilling contest unfolded in the Kajjikki Category B race as Birżebbuġia, Senglea, and Marsamxett engaged in a head-to-head battle for the win. The race was fiercely competitive right from the start, with Birżebbuġia, Senglea, Marsamxett, and Bormla all staying within striking distance in the opening stages.
As the crews approached the final stretch, Birżebbuġia found an extra gear to surge ahead and cross the line first, securing their first 12 points of the regatta. Behind them, Senglea and Marsamxett were locked in yet another classic photo-finish, with Senglea just edging out Marsamxett for second place.
Senglea collected 8 points to add to their strong campaign, while Marsamxett picked up 4 points to remain competitive in the overall standings. The close finish added further excitement to what has already been a tightly contested regatta.
Senglea edge out Vittoriosa in thrilling Midalji A race
In one of the most anticipated events of the regatta, Senglea and Vittoriosa went head-to-head in a fiercely contested Midalji A race that ended in a thrilling photofinish finale. Both crews battled stroke for stroke, providing a thrilling spectacle for the gathered supporters.
In the end, it was Senglea who managed to pull ahead in the final stages to secure a hard-fought photo finish victory. Vittoriosa had to settle for second place despite putting up a strong challenge, while Marsa came home in third.
The result means that Senglea take the maximum points once again, extending their lead, while Vittoriosa secure valuable points to stay in contention.
Senglea cruise to victory in Men’s Category B with Azzopardi and Ciantar
Senglea delivered a dominant display to win the Men’s Category B race, with two rowers, Clayton Azzopardi and Luke Ciantar, leading the charge impressively. The Senglea duo took control early in the race and maintained a strong rhythm throughout, crossing the finish line well ahead of their rivals.
Vittoriosa secured second place after a determined effort, while Kalkara completed the podium in third. The result sees Senglea take the maximum 20 points, with Vittoriosa earning 12 points and Kalkara finishing with 6 points.
This victory not only highlights the strength of Azzopardi and Ciantar as a pair but also gives Senglea a vital boost in the overall standings.
Marsamxett dominate Women’s Frejgatina as Grima and Mizzi Lead the Way
Marsamxett claimed a commanding victory in the Women’s Frejgatina, with the duo of Shazel Grima and Glynis Mizzi producing a dominant performance to finish well ahead of the competition.
The Marsamxett pair set the pace from the early stages and never looked back, crossing the line comfortably in first place. Their flawless coordination and power proved too much for their rivals as they controlled the race from start to finish.
Bormla put up a brave fight and secured second place, while Birgu had to settle for third after a competitive showing.
Marsamxett’s triumph cements Grima and Mizzi’s reputation in the women’s rowing scene, winning for Marsamxett for the first time.
